[Duck0fDeath]

Hello! I've been lurking here for a few weeks while I was researching which older model I might want. Don't know crap about ATV's but I enjoy working on my old truck and even older outboard motors. The cult like following you guys have for the older Fourtrax helped make my decision. Just got home with this old girl. The owner thought it was an '86 but it has Foreman on the front graphic and the CDI is under the fender. Can't see the VIN tag well enough to read it, as it's obscured by a winch. Paid $380 for it. Was told it has no spark. Already I can tell I'll need a seat, battery, side vent plastic, center headlamp housing and bracket. The key ignition was cut off and was sitting in the battery tray along with some other misc components, including two types of CDI units. Wish me luck in getting the old girl trail ready!

 

[PatrickB]

Welcome to the site! Looks like you got yourself a good deal on a nice project there... I would guess it's a 87 or maybe 88 Foreman.

Sent from my SM-G550T1 using Tapatalk

 

[retro]

That my friend is a first year, 1987 TRX350D Fourtrax Foreman! Its still in pretty good shape too! You should'a seen the scrapper 87 350D I started out with... you got a good deal on that! Got any more pics you can share...?

It looks like it needs going over and is missing a few parts, but you'll have an easy time getting it going if the motor is still good. The 87 350D was very unique compared to the later models. Many parts on it were used for one year only, on that bike so keep that in mind as you scrounge for parts.

Got a copy of the service manual yet? Keep us posted on your progress if ya can?

Thanks for sharing! Welcome to the forums!

 

[Duck0fDeath]

Thanks guys! And thanks for the links to the manuals. I had all but that condensed specs PDF. Thanks for the heads up on year specific parts situation too. I've already been browsing around but I should probably go out into the cold and remove the winch bracket so I can determine with certainty on exactly what I've got. I'll definitely be checking in with my progress as I go. I do searches for info that's already been given here, but I'm sure I'll still have plenty of questions as I go. Thanks again!

 

[Duck0fDeath]

Too dark for more pictures but I'll share the ones from the previous owners listing.

 

[PatrickB]

Doesn't look too bad at all. I would highly recommend removing all the plastics and stripping it down as much as possible to check everything out and clean it before you do anything so you can make sure nothing is hiding from you. I've always done this with every used bike I've gotten.

Sent from my SM-G550T1 using Tapatalk

 

[Duck0fDeath]

Good call. The wiring looks to be jacked up some, so removing the plastics will help me trace everything out before I attempt to connect a battery.

 

[retro]

The wiring harness on mine was hacked and burnt like toast too. The only used one that will fit and work on your 87 350D will be from the identical year/model bike. Sent you a PM about a possible reliable, used parts source....

EDIT:
Always look up your parts and check the interchange lists at a site such as Partzilla before buying. Many sellers of used parts don't know that the 87 Foreman is unlike the others.

 

[Duck0fDeath]

I'll be sure to cross reference before I buy anything...thanks for that tip.

 

[Goober]

Good looking rig. Love that 87-only Foreman bumper. You can still get OEM ignition switch. You will have to be pretty methodical about troubleshooting, but be patient. get yourself a good multimeter and printed copy of the service manual—easier to read
Lookit you got some special bits hanging on that rack—optional work light mount?

 

[Duck0fDeath]

It looks like it was a mount for something. Maybe a .50 caliber machine gun, muhahahaha. All set with the multimeter. I was happy to learn they have CDI ignition, as I just learned how to test the ignition on my 87 Mercury outboard last summer. I have a peak voltage adapter too, so I'll be set if I need to test the stator.

I'll be getting a new ignition switch. I'm not looking to make it look like new but electrical components are where I'll spring for new when possible. Adding up all the easily noticeable things I'll need; air box cover, side plastic vent, tool box/fuse holder mount panel, tool box lid, battery bracket/holder, handlebar headlamp and mounting bracket..... I may be better off waiting for another salvage opportunity to come along then spend $50 on a freakin rusted out battery holder bracket like I'm seeing on eeebae, lol.

 

[Duck0fDeath]

Got to nearly 60 today so I spent some time removing the plastics to better assess things. Wiring isn't so bad. Some splices and cut wires but I'm pretty handy with a soldering gun and heat shrink tubing. Found some missing hardware and some odd, non-original bolts. Glad to see there's still a good bit of new OEM hardware available.

What's the best way to completely drain the gas tank? Will disconnecting the line to the fuel filter drain it all?

 

[Goober]

There’s a drain bolt on the bottom of the tank you need to remove the tank guard

 

[Duck0fDeath]

Excellent, thanks!

 

[Duck0fDeath]

I picked up a parts bike last Saturday (Another 87 350D). Been busy putting together a complete rig out of those two. Paid a little too much for the 2nd one ($400). The plastics weren't really any better than my original but I did get a complete toolbox setup, airbox cover, handlebar light, ignition switch, fuse and battery link assembly, side vents, CDI, and seat. Stuff I knew I'd need to complete the original. I also ended up needing its fuel cutoff relay, fuel pump, and will likely need the starter too. So I've probably got my moneys worth and still have the differentials, parts motor, oil fan, intact wiring harness, etc. I drove 7 hours for it and planned to pick up a more or less complete and great looking blue 88 350D nearby but the seller of the second one screwed me over so I only came home with the one. I think I paid too much largely because of the one I picked up today for $400 too. First a few pics of the one from Saturday...

 

[Duck0fDeath]

So, I've now got a complete one that I just got back together enough to try and start. Started troubleshooting fuel issue when I discovered the fuel cutoff relay was missing. Parts bike to the rescue! I grabbed the fuel pump too because the original bike seems to have a Chinezee version with wiring too short and the wrong size inlet. Starter is struggling to turn over the motor, and only after I smack it will it even try. Tomorrow I'll try the one out of the parts bike. Won't be much left of it when I'm done, except some old dry rotted tires that won't hold air and a bare frame. What's left of the parts bike is on the left here....

The one on the right was just unloaded and was the deal I got today.....

 

[Duck0fDeath]

Another 87 350D! This one was just put up for sale yesterday. Owner took it on trade but didn't know much of anything about it, other than it needed a battery. When I got there the battery was charged and was cranking the motor. Looked at the fuel tank - empty but lots of rust inside. I jumped on it when he said he'd take $400. The plastics are all present and in fairly good condition, lights all work and wiring appears good. I'll swap in the tank from the parts bike in the next few days and see if it will start. I'll probably sell one of the two complete bikes but the one I keep will have the good looking plastics from the one I picked up today. I'll post more when either get them running or need help doing so!

 

[Goober]

That is awesome! Well as we’ve been going over model differences, there is at least one part that only work on the 87, the CDI.
I noticed your 2nd rig has an odd set of wheels. Seems the only wheels with the right offset are the OEM wheels.

 

[Duck0fDeath]

Yeah, the second one (parts bike) has some weird backspacing that leaves a gap between the backing plate and the wheel. I don't think there's much of a market for old atv wheels, so those will be added to my scrap metal pile. The two I'm completing both have original wheels and tires that hold air

Regarding the differences in model years, the 87 was unique. I was debating the idea of getting and keeping an 88 or 89 model just to open up more used part opportunities, but clearly I've now gone all in on the 87's.

 

[Goober]

I have two sets of Fourtrax wheels one with my Mud Lites the other with the original ohtsu 501s. Foreman had 502s but there were some options too.

I took my old set of TRX300 wheels (looks like what you have there with original Goodyears) and powdercoated them in Adventure Green. Cost me $200.
I bet you could get at least $100 for that set if in good shape.